SIALKOT - Swedish Ambassador in Pakistan Lars-Hjalmar Wide has underscored the need for collective efforts to boost bilateral trade between Sweden and Pakistan. Addressing a seminar on” The case for Swedish Greentech in Pakistan: held here Tuesday at Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) he said that the enhancing bilateral trade volume between the two countries was need of the hour. The Ambassador said that Sweden was ready to extend its cooperation to Pakistan for overcoming energy crisis.
In his address of welcome, Acting SCCI President Ikramuk Haq said that Pakistan was facing worst energy crisis which had hampered economic progress and brought misery to lives of its people. We appreciate the endeavour of Sweden to extend help in overcoming energy crisis through its green technology option,” he said. The SCCI President said the problem was too grave requiring practical steps on urgent basis to save Pakistan from imminent socio-economic woes, adding that Sweden should help in overcoming the energy crisis by giving top priority to it.
We recognize that adoption of green technologies is the best solution to ever growing demands for Energy Worldwide, in view of limited supply of fossil fuels,” he pointed. Ikram said that burning of fossil fuels was contributing to global warming a phenomenon responsible for the change of climate and disturbance of natural ecosystems. The use of wind, water, sun and other naturally available resources is necessary to counter global warming and supply mankind with sustainable energy resources and minimize carbon footprint on the environment,” he elaborated.
He said that green solution to the energy requirement could be available by implementing cleaner production techniques in manufacturing process harnessing of solar energy, recycling of waste water, conversion of waste to energy through proper waste management, installation of wind energy projects and development of sustainable housing designs for optimal utilization of energy resources.
These techniques could be applied by technologically advanced system developed through extensive research and development which the members of Swedish delegation would be sharing with the business community of Sialkot he said.
The SCCI president said that Pakistan and Sweden had good relations, saying that bilateral trade volume was not according to the existing trade potential, adding that bilateral trade between Pakistan and Sweden was limited. Total two-way trade in 2011 was around $333 million while exports from Pakistan to Sweden was $104 million and import $227 million,” he added. Ikram said that both sides should coordinate and focus towards enhancing bilateral trade.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chamber Trade Sweden Charlotte Kalin also spoke on the occasion and presented case study of key Swedish Greentech expertise areas, successful Greentech solutions in Sweden and how Swedish technologies have benefited other countries.